Trapping License
Indiana Trapping
License 2026
Complete guide to trapping licenses in Indiana - resident and nonresident fees, trap check hours, regulated species, pelt reporting requirements, and bobcat or otter permit rules. Indiana requires a trapping license for all regulated furbearers. Beaver, mink, muskrat, otter, raccoon, and fox are the primary targets. Indiana has moderate furbearer populations with excellent river bottom habitats.
24-Hour Trap Check
Separate From Hunting License
2026 Trapping License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Resident Fee
$13.00
Annual license
Nonresident Fee
$55.00
Annual license
Trap Check
24h
Max hours between checks
Junior Fee
-
See agency for youth rates
License Details
Indiana Trapping License Requirements
Indiana requires a valid trapping license to trap furbearing animals. Review all requirements before setting traps.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Resident Fee | $13.00 |
| Nonresident Fee | $55.00 |
| Separate From Hunting License | Yes - separate purchase required |
| Trapper Education Required | Not required |
| Trap Check Requirement | Every 24 hours |
| Trap Tagging Required | Not required |
| Pelt Reporting Required | Not required |
| Bobcat Permit Required | Not required |
| Otter Permit Required | Not required |
| Trap Type Restrictions | Foothold traps may not exceed 6.5" jaw spread in upland sets. Body-gripping traps over 6.5"x6.5" restricted to water sets. No trapping within 150 feet of a public road or occupied structure without permission. |
Regulated Species
Trappable Species in Indiana
The following furbearing species may be legally trapped in Indiana with the appropriate license and during open seasons. Some species may require additional permits.
Season & Limits
Indiana Trapping Season Dates & Bag Limits
Season Dates
mink: Nov 5 - Jan 31
otter: Nov 5 - Jan 15
beaver: Nov 5 - Mar 15
muskrat: Nov 5 - Feb 28
Bag Limits
otter: check current limits
Public Land Trapping
Trapping on Public Land in Indiana
Trapping allowed on Indiana state fish and wildlife areas during designated seasons. Hoosier National Forest lands allow trapping under USFS regulations.
Important Notes
Indiana-Specific Trapping Rules
Indiana otter populations have recovered significantly since reintroduction in the 1990s. The Kankakee River region and Wabash River corridor offer the best mink and otter trapping. Indiana has solid furbearer populations in its river floodplains.
Source: Indiana Department of Natural Resources (www.in.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees, seasons, and permit requirements directly with the agency before trapping.